Today the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is requesting public comment on a draft of MGM Springfield’s gaming beverage license application and, specifically, its request for extended hours on the gaming floor. The Commission, during a public meeting at its Boston office, reviewed MGM’s draft application and decided to seek public feedback. All submitted comments will be reviewed and considered by the Commission before a final determination on MGM’s license application.

As required by the gaming law, MGM Springfield recently submitted a draft beverage license application to the MGC. The application is substantially complete and contains requests for 22 licensed areas throughout the property. Generally, the application seeks alcohol service at each of these areas between the hours of 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. According to the license application, all front-facing bars will close at 2 a.m. Also, MGM Springfield is requesting extended alcohol service between 2 a.m. – 4 a.m. specifically on the casino floor and only to patrons actively engaged in gambling. A recent legislative amendment provided the MGC with authority to consider a two-hour extension of alcohol service (between 2 a.m. – 4 a.m.) at licensed gaming facilities only on the gaming floor so long as the patron is actively gaming and to require the necessary restrictions and limitations.

Specifically, the MGC is seeking public comment about MGM’s request for extended alcohol service between 2 a.m. – 4 a.m. exclusively on the casino floor and only to patrons actively engaged in gambling.